According to WebMD Inflammatory bowel disease, including UC (Ulcerative Colitis) and CD (Crohn’s) is different from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Unlike IBD, IBS does not cause inflammation, ulcers or other damage to the bowel. Instead, IBS is a much less serious problem called a functional disorder.

This means that the digestive system looks normal but doesn’t work as it should. Symptoms of IBS may include crampy pain, bloating, gas, mucus in the stool, diarrhea and constipation. IBS has also been called spastic colon or spastic bowel.

Holly Coyle believes that, in medicine, open lines of communication are crucial. As a writer for Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio, she serves as a link between doctors and patients and writes health stories in order to empower readers. Holly has a master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University. She also studied at the University of Texas at Austin and was a broadcast journalist for 10 years covering health issues and breaking news.